After Confusion, Hinsdale D86 Follows Law

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 board members left it unclear last week whether the district would release information about the 17 applicants for an open board position.

On Tuesday, the district ended up divulging the applications and resumes, following the state's open records law. It was also posted on the district's log for records requests.

At last Thursday's board meeting, member Kay Gallo asked whether the district would release the 17 applications and resumes before receiving open records requests. She acknowledged the district could black out personal information such as phone numbers and email addresses.

By that point, resident Yvonne Mayer and Patch had already submitted requests for the documents.

In response to Gallo, board President Catherine Greenspon said the district wouldn't release the information until the process was complete.

Member Asma Akhras said she wasn't even sure if it was legal to release the applications and resumes.

The next day, Mayer emailed the board and asked it to release the documents.

"For the newbies on the board who don't know the past practice in D86 and what the law requires, the applications must be released along with all attachments and resume information," Mayer said. "They can be redacted to delete an applicant's address, phone number, social security number, email address, but that's it."

Patch also emailed the board. It pointed to the law and examples of other area public bodies, including Lyons Township High School, releasing the information before they filled elected board positions.

Board members did not respond to Patch or Mayer's emails.

The board says it plans to select a new member at its meeting next Thursday.